When it comes to hitting your driver, the key to distance and accuracy lies in the ability to launch the ball high with minimal spin. To achieve this, you need to sweep up on the ball rather than hitting down. Enter the T-Drill, a simple yet effective training technique that can help you perfect the sweeping motion essential for maximizing your driver’s potential.

What Is the T-Drill?

The T-Drill involves placing a tee just in front of your golf ball during practice. This tee acts as a visual and physical guide, encouraging you to make a sweeping motion with your driver to avoid hitting the tee. By focusing on this task, you naturally adjust your swing path to create the ideal upward angle of attack.

How to Set Up the T-Drill

1. Place a Ball and Tee
   • Set up a golf ball on a standard-height tee.
   • Place another tee a few inches in front of the ball, sticking out of the ground slightly. This second tee will serve as your “miss it” target.
2. Address the Ball
   • Take your normal stance and grip, ensuring your driver setup is optimized for a high launch: ball positioned just inside your lead foot and your spine tilted slightly away from the target.
3. Focus on Sweeping
   • The goal is to swing so that the driver contacts the ball and misses the second tee. This motion encourages you to strike the ball on the upswing, rather than hitting down on it.

Why the T-Drill Works

1. Promotes an Upward Strike
   • To achieve maximum distance with your driver, the clubhead needs to travel on an upward path at impact. The T-Drill forces you to develop this sweeping motion by giving you a tangible object to avoid.
2. Improves Launch Angle
   • Launching the ball high with reduced spin is the hallmark of long hitters like Rory McIlroy. By practicing this drill, you’ll naturally increase your launch angle, leading to longer, straighter drives.
3. Enhances Focus and Precision
   • The simple task of “missing the tee” helps sharpen your concentration, ensuring you stay committed to the correct swing path and angle of attack.
4. Builds Consistency
   • Over time, this drill helps ingrain the proper motion into your muscle memory, making it easier to replicate on the course.

What to Watch For

• Hitting the Front Tee
  • If you hit the front tee, it’s a sign you’re coming in too steep and hitting down on the ball. Adjust your swing to focus on a sweeping motion.
• Low or Thin Contact
  • If you’re making contact too low on the clubface, check your ball position and ensure your spine tilt is promoting an upward strike.
• Over-Swinging
  • Focus on smooth, controlled swings. Trying to muscle the ball can lead to poor contact and misaligned shots.

Channeling Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy is renowned for his ability to launch the ball high with incredible carry and distance. His sweeping motion through the ball, combined with a precise upward angle of attack, allows him to consistently hit drives that soar through the air. The T-Drill mirrors the mechanics McIlroy and other top players use, making it an invaluable tool for golfers looking to improve their long game.

Final Thoughts

The T-Drill is a straightforward yet highly effective practice method that can help golfers of all skill levels improve their driver performance. By encouraging the correct angle of attack and promoting a smooth sweeping motion, this drill lays the foundation for longer, straighter drives. Next time you’re at the range, grab an extra tee and give it a try—your drives (and your scorecard) will thank you.